The Warren Theatre opened its doors for business Wednesday morning, a sign of progress in a part of Oklahoma in the midst of recovery.

Officials believe it's an important step towards a sense of normalcy. Even though the Warren Theatre is located in between a sea of mangled and twisted metal, it's an oasis for all storm victims. It's offering them an escape, even if it's only for a few hours, they said.

Advertisement

"It gives me hope," said Tony Fleshman, after he just bought some movie tickets at the Warren Theatre for a date night with his wife. Fleshman's home was destroyed in last week's tornado.

"The popcorn smells great, and I want to go see a movie now, but we've got other things to do," said Fleshman, as he paused to talk to his 3-year-old daughter, Chloe. He was in a hurry to pick up his older daughter, and his wife was busy taking care of the family's affairs.

Many who lose their homes have been so busy, they haven't had time to relax, and enjoy life once again. "Just push on. I haven't even given it any thought since you said that," said Fleshman, surprised after we asked him how he was doing.

He has to stay strong for Chloe.

"With everything bad that's going on, I have to do so many things to keep my family going, and alive, that I haven't had any downtime to worry about anything," added Fleshman, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran.

But once this break from reality is over, for so many, it's back to rebuilding their lives once again.

"I'm actually holding up pretty well. If I had some alone time, then maybe I wouldn't be holding up very well," he said.

Warren Theatre representatives are planning a charity event to benefit all storm victims. They plan to release details within the next month or two. They're open normal business hours, and they encourage everyone to come out to help stimulate the Moore economy and enjoy a nice break from the devastation all of Oklahoma has felt, either directly or indirectly.